Faculty in MAFAC Mayo Clinic 2024

 Faculty in MAFAC Mayo Clinic 2024

This is an original article written by Dr. Minhee Ryu from RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul, South Korea, translated in English for convenience: 

Dr. Minhee Ryu served as Faculty at the 31st Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC), held at Mayo Clinic in Rochester from July 29–31, 2024, a globally renowned program founded by Dr. Bryan Mendelson that focuses on facial surgical anatomy through hands-on cadaver dissection while advancing research and education in modern facial rejuvenation. 

Over three days, the course covered periorbital and forehead anatomy, facial anatomy, and neck and submental surgery through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and intensive lab training, enhanced by cutting-edge technologies including 3D visualization, 3D printing, and VR/AR. A central highlight was the in-depth exploration of the DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, including its anatomical foundation, surgical techniques, and complication management, alongside contributions from distinguished international faculty and Mayo Clinic leadership. 

Dr. Ryu, who has served as MAFAC Faculty since 2016, emphasized the significance of global academic collaboration, the legacy and spirit of Dr. Mendelson, and MAFAC’s mission of advancing and sharing knowledge in facial anatomy and surgery, expressing pride in contributing to the continued evolution of the field and anticipation for future progress.

Please enjoy the full article below:

The 31st Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) was held at Mayo Clinic in Rochester from July 29 to 31.

MAFAC was founded by Dr. Bryan Mendelson and began in 2009, now reaching its 31st course. Centered on teaching and acquiring facial surgical anatomy and procedures through hands-on cadaver dissection, it has also grown into a highly active research group. Along with sharing the theoretical foundation and surgical techniques of the recently surging “Deep Plane Facelift,” it continues to lead the paradigm of facial anatomy. With this pride, the reputation of Dr. Mendelson and MAFAC is outstanding worldwide.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA, is ranked the No.1 hospital in the world and is a historic institution that has led the advancement of medicine. With a 160-year tradition, its achievements in contributing to human health are remarkable, including the invention of cortisone (Nobel Prize-winning work), the development of CT, and pioneering advanced space medicine. The Department of Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic is led by Prof. Samir Mardini, who received major media attention from CNN and BBC in 2016 following the successful completion of a facial transplant.

Collaborating with MAFAC, an organization shaping the history of facial rejuvenation anatomy and surgery, at the Rochester headquarters of the world’s top hospital, Mayo Clinic, carries great significance. We first worked together in 2023, and the second course in 2024 sold out within just two days of announcement. 

I have served as MAFAC Faculty since 2016 and participated again this year. MAFAC in Mayo Clinic 2024 was prepared as a three-day course.

The first day focused on the periorbital and forehead regions, the second day on the face, and the third day on the neck and submental area. Mornings consisted of lectures and discussions, while afternoons involved demonstrations and cadaver dissections for direct acquisition of surgical skills. In addition, 3D presentations, 3D printing, and VR/AR technologies were incorporated, showcasing the fusion of cutting-edge innovation. Guest Faculty included Dr. James Grotting and Dr. Ozan Sozer from the United States, and Dr. Zekeriya Kul from Istanbul. I was told the program underwent dozens of revisions and refinements, and I extend sincere gratitude to my colleague and friend Prof. Basel Sharaf for his effort and dedication.

Facial aging can broadly be divided by region into the forehead, periorbital area, midface, and neck/submental region. The first day addressed aging and surgical techniques of the forehead and periorbital region. As is well known, representative signs of periorbital aging include upper eyelid drooping, ptosis, and lower eyelid fat protrusion. Surgical techniques to correct these are highly active and refined in Asia, including Korea. 

There was a general lecture and demonstration by a Mayo Clinic ophthalmology professor, and the outstanding presentation and demonstration by my brother and colleague Dr. Chin-Ho Wong were particularly impressive. Chin-Ho has made tremendous contributions through his prolific publications, especially in midface anatomy and surgical techniques, greatly advancing the field of plastic surgery. He is like an elder brother to me—an inspiring and respected friend.

Forehead aging is characterized mainly by brow ptosis and forehead/glabellar wrinkles. When the brows descend, the face appears heavy and angry. The corrective procedure is a forehead lift (brow lift), typically performed via endoscopic or coronal approaches. Alongside these conventional methods, Gliding Periorbital Shaping (GPS) was also introduced and drew interest. The final lecture of the morning session was “Changing Perceptions in Facial Surgery Visuals” by Dr. Levent Efe. He has collaborated with Dr. Bryan Mendelson for over 20 years in medical illustration, contributed to major plastic surgery textbooks and numerous publications, and is a top-tier pioneer shaping a new era in this field. He also worked with me on “Deep Plane Facelift in Asian Patients,” currently in preparation for publication. I am always grateful to work closely with him.

In the afternoon, demonstrations and hands-on cadaver lab practice were conducted based on the morning lectures. Two participants (all were board-certified plastic surgeons despite being called “students”) were assigned per cadaver, alternating between operator and assistant roles, with one faculty member supervising four participants per table. Great emphasis was placed on hands-on experience, with faculty providing detailed tutoring and guidance.

I was assigned to Group 1 for the three days, and coincidentally all four participants were highly intelligent and elegant female plastic surgeons—two from Kaohsiung and two from Buenos Aires. The three days seemed to pass incredibly quickly.

On the first evening, a light Welcome Reception was held at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center within Mayo Clinic. Although we meet every year, it is always warm and pleasant. Shared passion for facial anatomy and surgery quickly brought new friends closer.

The second day focused deeply on the highlight of MAFAC: the Deep Plane Facelift. Dr. Bryan Mendelson began with “The Concept of Layered Facial Anatomy,” followed by Dr. Lennert Minelli’s “Facial Anatomy Revisited: New Concepts and Updates,” and Dr. Basel Sharaf’s 3D presentation “Deep Plane Facelift Anatomy.” The 3D presentation allowed visualization of facial anatomy in three dimensions—something uniquely possible at Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Samir Mardini’s lecture, “Lessons Learned from Facial Reanimation: Anatomy of the Orbicularis and Zygomaticus Major Branches,” was deeply moving. It described the successful 2016 facial transplant of a patient severely injured by a gunshot wound.

Led by Prof. Mardini, Chairman of Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic, the case involved two and a half years of preparation and over 60 hours of surgery. I heard many behind-the-scenes stories from Dr. Basel Sharaf and Dr. Omar Hussain, who were part of the surgical team. The conclusion was that Dr. Mardini is truly a genius and extraordinary individual—he never left the operating room during the 60-hour procedure and barely slept. 

As mentioned in my previous writing, while the primary goals of facial transplantation are stable blood supply and avoidance of rejection, this case went further, aiming for near-perfect facial animation and expression and succeeded. Widely reported by CNN and BBC, it marked a major milestone in medical history. It is a personal honor to know and work with him.

The Deep Plane Facelift complication session was also very valuable, discussing how to reduce complications and manage them when they occur. As the most advanced technique, complications can differ from previous methods, and this provided insight into anticipating them.

All three Guest Faculty generously shared their experience and knowledge, and Dr. Zekeriya Kul’s approach was particularly remarkable. He performed the entire Deep Plane Facelift using an endoscope, demonstrating excellent technique. Although there were limitations regarding indications and secondary cases, it represented a new direction. Being from Istanbul, he shared that his grandfather was a Korean War veteran and that his children love K-pop, which quickly brought us closer.

On the second evening, a Faculty Dinner was held at Pittsburgh Steak House in Rochester, where we shared a warm time with colleagues and Guest Faculty.

I had a separate conversation with Dr. James Grotting, who shared that his father, Dr. John Grotting, was a senior figure in American plastic surgery and a master of ear surgery. He also knew Prof. Park Chul of BIO Plastic Surgery and was delighted to reconnect. Originally from Minneapolis, he had longstanding ties with Mayo Clinic and even flew his own private plane to Rochester and back.

The third day covered lower facial anatomy and the Deep Neck Lift, with lectures in the morning and cadaver dissection in the afternoon, led by Dr. Ozan Sozer. The lab also introduced facial anatomy 3D printing and AR/VR technologies, demonstrating impressive integration of advanced technology. The 3D models faithfully reproduced Dr. Mendelson’s anatomical concepts, vividly showing facial layers, nerves, muscles, and spaces. This represents a major innovation in medical education and is expected to be widely used in the future.

After the lectures, only the Faculty gathered for the MAFAC Business Meeting to discuss the schedule for MAFAC in Mayo Clinic 2025, how many more times it would be held, and long-term strategic directions.

The final evening was the MAFAC Dinner attended by everyone, held at Mayowood Stone Barn outside the city. Beginning with a group photo, it was a wonderful time together.

MAFAC in Mayo Clinic 2024

MAFAC Dinner at Mayowood Stone Barn

Special guest Prof. Kendall Lee and his spouse attended. He is a neurosurgery professor at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, CEO of a biotech company, and runs a dopamine research lab—an individual of tremendous energy. I had hoped to meet him last year, and finally we met this time. My friend Prof. Basel Sharaf had spoken highly of him for years, describing deep friendship through shared philosophy, writing, and exercise.

After the dinner, we continued conversations late into the night. Most restaurants in Rochester close by 10 pm, which was unfortunate. We promised to meet soon in Seoul for authentic Korean-style drinks. I stayed until the end with the participants I had worked with in the lab for three days. Having four brilliant and elegant female plastic surgeons in one group—and guiding them—was a rare and memorable experience. It was also great to see Dr. Gene K. Lee from Beverly Hills, and I hope he gained much from the course.

It was a great honor and privilege to serve as Faculty for the 31st Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, July 29–31, 2024.

“Medical cooperation is essential if the people are to have the benefit of modern medical knowledge.” 

“There is no excuse today for the surgeon to learn on the patient.”

— William J. Mayo, M.D.

In 2011, I traveled to Melbourne to learn surgery and theory directly from Dr. Bryan Mendelson, first attended MAFAC at Melbourne University in 2012, and have served as MAFAC Faculty since 2016.

It is no exaggeration to say that MAFAC is Dr. Mendelson himself. His theories appear in major American plastic surgery textbooks and even in Grey’s Anatomy, the most authoritative anatomical reference—reflecting his historic contributions to functional and surgical facial anatomy. At the foundation of this scholarship lies Dr. Mendelson’s spirit: generosity and respect for diversity. He continuously absorbs the theories and methods of other masters while challenging and innovating, encouraging integration and progress – transforming the paradigm of facial anatomy. In recent years, Guest Faculty have increasingly joined MAFAC, making it a platform for sharing, integrating, and advancing diverse knowledge and techniques.

Recently, many outstanding papers on facial anatomy and Deep Plane Facelift have been published—most authored by MAFAC Faculty. This was possible due to Dr. Mendelson’s open mind and leadership. Upholding his spirit and legacy, we carry the responsibility to continue MAFAC’s mission: sharing knowledge and experience in facial anatomy. With great pride, we will continue moving forward together.

MAFAC in Mayo Clinic 2025 is scheduled for three days in early July. I look forward to seeing how much further we will have advanced by then. MAFAC is constantly moving forward!

Dr. Minhee Ryu, M.D.

RNWOOD Plastic Surgery

Seoul, South Korea

(Source: https://blog.naver.com/rejuvemaster )

Dr. Minhee Ryu is a World-Class FACELIFT Specialist and Global Educator, who is deeply committed to sharing his facial rejuvenation surgery and anatomy expertise. As a lecturer, tutor, and demonstrator, he is invited to deliver DEEP PLANE FACELIFT presentations and perform live surgery and cadaver dissection Demonstrations in more than 15 countries, including Korea, the US, Europe, Singapore, Australia, Japan, and beyond.

Recognized worldwide for his expertise in DEEP PLANE FACELIFT, Dr. Ryu is a Faculty Member at MAFAC since 2016, a guest Faculty Member at Mayo Clinic since 2023, and an Editorial Board Member for the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal (SCI) since 2019. He is an active member of KSPRS, ASPS, ASAPS, and ISAPS. As a global top-tier leader in Facelifts, Dr. Minhee Ryu makes dedicated contributions to academic advancement and surgical education.

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